Contrary to many preconceptions, laying a line underground does not offer protection against its magnetic fields; in fact, it may even increase them.

For this reason the federal standards for new ultra-high voltage lines apply to overhead lines and underground lines alike. In the interests of precautionary health protection as defined by Swiss authorities in 1999, the applicable standards in Switzerland are 100 times more rigorous than elsewhere in Europe. This is a matter close to Alpiq's heart, and Alpiq adheres strictly to these standards. Compared to the single microtesla tolerated for these line, an entire range of household appliances – clock radios, mobile phones etc. – generate much higher levels of radiation, often in the double-digit range.